'Tis easy, when married, to put away strife,
Because a good husband will make a good wife:
Draw gently, be loving, good-humour'd and still;
Then you may be happy as long as you will.

Dear Friend, I'm given to understand
You've ta'en a loving wife in hand;
And probably expect to share,
Like others, pleasure without care;
Serenity and sun-shine too
Are things with ease you bring to view;
But pray what title have you got
For what the major part have not?
For where one's bless'd who takes a wife,
There's two repent it during life.

Yet this state is, though ills invade,
The happiest state that e'er was made
For if the evils we're combating
Are evils of our own creating,
We, with some prudence, then may shun them,
Or cut them short if we've begun them.
The traveller should never lack
To strike into the cleanest track.

Full forty years the chain I bore,
And wish'd to bear it forty more;
For when pure love affects the heart,
That couple never wish to part;
Their love will grow through every stage,
In spite of wrinkles, sickness, age.
Large draughts of pleasure I drew then;
Perhaps not known to one in ten;
Nor ever felt one pang of path
Till Fate resolv'd to break the chain.

Allow then an experienc'd mate,
Long practis'd in the married state,
To tell you where, if you're not blind,
That treasure call'd Content may find.

'Tis said, 'that state is harmony
When man and wife shall both agree;'
But I maintain bliss holds its place
When half this only is the case.
Then who would miss a Paradise
When he can buy it at half price?

Use all attention on your part,
To keep as well as gain her heart;
Nor act a child when at its play,
Cry for a toy to throw away.
You'll find this, of all gems found yet,
The richest in your cabinet.
If your address her heart procures,
She the same title has to yours.
Dwell on her virtues as divine,
And then she'll make them brighter shine.
Of the minutest take a view,
Which shows none are forgot by you.

If inwardly you feel delight,
Whenever she appears in sight;
If, when with her you're left alone,
You neither tire, nor heave a groan,
You then have fully learn'd your part,
And I'll pronounce she's gain'd your heart.

Should common errors be descry'd,
In anger, nor in public, chide;
Tenderly touch, without abuse;
Nay, softly plead her own excuse:
This calls that pride forth in the end,
Which ever shews a wish to mend.
To cherish love and make it thrive,
Attempt to lead, but never drive.
To persevere be much inclin'd
Then you will mould her to your mind.

Should male, or female friend, but seem
To lesten her in your esteem,
To their suggestions ne'er attend,
They come from a suspicious friend.

Those faults o'er which your eye must pass,
View through the small end of the glass.
This my dear Sir, a friend procures,
Who always will diminish yours.

If ever grief attacks her breast,
Take to yourself one half at least.
With reasons, gentle soothings too,
That cankering enemy subdue.

Contentions in the married state
From nothings oft originate;
A candle's end, a thread, a pin,
Are quite sufficient to begin.
Answers, rejoinders, and replies,
Make many a serious quarrel rise,
Which terminate in deep vexation;
Nay, sometimes in a separation.
Whene'er such altercations start,
Let silence end them on your part.
Thus the grand point you win with ease;
And you may win whene'er you please.

When you in company shall meet her,
With kind attention always treat her:
Your satire, banter, laugh, or sneer,
On no account must glance at her.
Nor let her e'er be plac'd by you
In a degrading point of view.
If of the two you hold most sense,
Then let it act in her defence.

These maxims I observed--adieu--
If not worn out, will profit you.